— m 



account numerous variables associated with 

 reservoir heliavior caused by complex physical 

 and chemical phenomena. Parallel algorithms 

 help researchers utilize the computational power 

 of massively parallel computers to perform the 

 simulations. Researchers are also writing paral- 

 lel versions of two widely used reservoir simula- 

 tion codes. UTCHEM and UTCOMP. 

 UTCHEM has been applied to study both surfac- 

 tant EOR and surfactant remediation of ground 

 water contaminated by dense nonaqueous phase 

 liquids found at weapons sites and other loca- 

 tions. 



samples. To assist in interpreting experimental 

 results, researchers are developing a basic theo- 

 retical framework for multiphase flow systems 

 that incorporates current knowledge of displace- 

 ment processes and the understanding of oil and 

 rock chemistry. One technique in this frame- 

 work, the Lattice-Boltzmann method, is essential 

 for solving Navier-Stokes equations, the basic 

 equations of fluid flow. These equations are the 

 basis of the mathematical models that simulate 

 the movement of a multiphase system of organic 

 materials through rock pores. 



Pore-scale Multiphase Flow Modeling 



Imaging of Present-day Hydrocarbon 

 Migration 



To better understand and predict the interactions 

 between ITuids and rock, field simulation pro- 

 grams must extrapolate results from laboratory 



Scientists are developing computer visualiza- 

 tions to chart tluid movements below the ocean 

 floor of the Louisiana coast. Observations in 



This figure sliows a comparison between the computed injectivity of carbon dioxide and field data from an 

 oil reservoir in Texas operated by Texaco. Inc. The University of Texas compositional reservoir simulator 

 UTCOI^P was used to make this calculation. The capability to predict the rate at which carbon dioxide can 

 be injected into these old wells to increase the oil production from the field is crucial for the economic 

 success of such enhanced oil recovery operations. This comparison shows close agreement with the field 

 data from a geologically complex San Andres formation. 



133 



